Bursitis

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that works
as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The
major bursae (this is the plural of bursa) are located next to the tendons near the
large joints, such as in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Bursitis is usually a temporary condition. It may limit motion, but generally does
not cause deformity.

Bursitis can happen in any bursa in the body, but there are some common types of bursitis,
including:

Retromalleolar tendon bursitis. This type of bursitis is also called Albert disease. It’s caused by things like injury,
disease, or shoes with rigid back support. These put extra strain on the lower part
of the Achilles tendon. This attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel. This
can lead to inflammation of the bursa located where the tendon attaches to the heel.

Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis. This type of bursitis, also called Haglund deformity, is in the bursa located between
the skin of the heel and the Achilles tendon. This attaches the calf muscles to the
heel. It is aggravated by a type of walking that presses the soft heel tissue into
the hard back support of a shoe.

Hip bursitis. Also called trochanteric bursitis, hip bursitis is often the result of injury, overuse,
spinal abnormalities, arthritis, or surgery. This type of bursitis is more common
in women and middle-aged and older people.

Elbow bursitis. Elbow bursitis is caused by the inflammation of the bursa located between the skin
and bones of the elbow (the olecranon bursa). Elbow bursitis can be caused by injury
or constant pressure on the elbow (for example, when leaning on a hard surface).

Knee bursitis. Bursitis in the knee is also called goosefoot bursitis or Pes Anserine bursitis. The
Pes Anserine bursa is located between the shin bone and the three tendons of the hamstring
muscles, on the inside of the knee. This type of bursitis may be caused by lack of
stretching before exercise, tight hamstring muscles, being overweight, arthritis,
or out-turning of the knee or lower leg.

Kneecap bursitis. Also called prepatellar bursitis, this type of bursitis is common in people who are
on their knees a lot, such as carpet layers and plumbers.

What causes bursitis?

The most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse. Infection may also cause
it.

Bursitis is also associated with other problems. These include arthritis, gout, tendonitis,
diabetes, and thyroid disease.

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

The following are the most common symptoms of bursitis. However, each person may experience
symptoms differently.

Pain

Localized tenderness

Limited motion

Swelling and redness if the inflamed bursa is close to the surface of the skin

Chronic bursitis may involve repeated attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness. These
may lead to the deterioration of muscles and a limited range of motion in the affected
joint.

The symptoms of bursitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always
see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is bursitis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnostic tests for
bursitis may include:

X-ray. A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make pictures
of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An imaging test that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a
computer to make detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body.